Construction is now underway on an $18.5 million project to boost safety and improve flood immunity along Paradise Road in Brisbane’s south
The key southern corridor, in the suburb of Larapinta, is undergoing realignment works as part of the Brisbane City Council’s wider task of delivering more than 90 congestion-busting projects across the city.
“Council has invested around $10 million into the project which is jointly-funded by the Australian Government, and will widen and realign the stretch of road between Gardens Drive and Radius Drive to improve safety along the accident-prone stretch,” said Brisbane Mayor Graham Quirk in a statement.
“This section of Paradise Road currently features long straights that lead into tight curves which have contributed to serious safety issues.
He said 18 accidents have occurred along the stretch of road over five years, half of which were caused by heavy vehicles overturning.
“Council is widening the 2.2km stretch, including the lanes in both directions, increasing the width of the sealed road shoulders, and providing a 5.5m clear zone from the edge of the traffic lanes,” said Mr. Quirk.
“This project will also ensure the road is more resilient to flooding, with a complete replacement of the road pavement with a more durable surface.
“Existing culvert crossings and side drains will also be upgraded to improve drainage in the area.”
The Australian Government has provided more than $8 million for the project through its Roads to Recovery Program.
The project is expected to be completed in early 2017, weather permitting.